04/08/2006

Open source phenomenon

The open-source phenomenon will transform employment as radically as blogging has changed the fields of media and journalism.

So, I'm curious to consider what might be the exact phenomenon that could change employment, specifically in the games industry.

Consider the latest thinking in business (the focus is on design and innovation - where both Apple and Google are cited as practicing leaders). Despite appearances the game industry was founded on such strategy but with maturity comes the struggle to maintain the vigour of youth. So, will this phenomenon come from the industries perception/attitude toward design considering the increasing cost of development on new generation machines?

Will it be through employee IP? Expanding on Googles work ethic to provide employees with a day per week to develop their own projects, by investing and distributing small games via download distribution; thus, giving the employee creator status and a direct royalty.

Could it be found in outsourcing method? What if you were employed by a company but remained self employed under the agreement that part of your revenue would feed back into the company who houses you?

Is it possible the rise of knowledge workers, supported by increasing employee rights, will foster a working culture that renders middle management redundant thanks to a democratic approach to work?

What will be the role of organisations like the Creative Commons be during this phenomenon?